Autism Alliance of Canada is proud to share our latest report, “Research Collaboration in Focus: Assessing the Value of a Future National Autism Research Network in Canada” that highlights the importance of exploring the value of a coordinated national autism research network.
Autism Alliance of Canada is committed to supporting the implementation of Canada’s Autism Strategy. One of the actions that may arise from the strategy is the creation of a national autism research network.
The aim of the network would be to increase collaboration in Canada’s research ecosystem and advance research to improve the health and well-being of Autistic people and their caregivers.
Through an exploratory survey led by Dr. Alexia Ostrolenk, CIHR Postdoctoral Health System Impact Fellow at Autism Alliance of Canada, the Alliance research team gathered insights from both the autism community and the research sector to guide the development of this future network.
Survey respondents agreed that the network should unite existing efforts, promote inclusive research, and ensure the integration of knowledge into policy and practice.
“Lived experience and autistic researchers should be prioritized first and foremost.”
“Autistic people should be involved as decision makers in this network.”
“I hope this truly ends up being inclusive and used to amplify the voices and needs of autistic people who need it the most, and supports research processes for new researchers”